Ford Fusion vs. Kia Optima

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Fusion and Kia Optima contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Fusion and the Kia Optima.

When comparing the Ford Fusion's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Fusion's and the Kia Optima's specifications and ratings, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Ford Fusion.

Pricing: A used 2020 Ford Fusion ranges from $14,994 to $23,000 while a used 2020 Kia Optima is priced between $13,949 to $22,944.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Fusion loses 42.3 percent of its value and the Kia Optima loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fusion retains 0.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Optima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.7 out of 10 while the Kia Optima's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Ford Fusion being ranked 4 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Optima being ranked 7 out of 13.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Fusion is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Optima the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fusion a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Optima.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Fusion’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Kia Optima base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Fusion is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Kia Optima the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Fusion. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Kia Optima has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room and front leg room. The Ford Fusion has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room, rear leg room and cargo space. The Ford Fusion and Kia Optima are comparable in regards to rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Fusion and the Kia Optima have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.